NEW AT PUTNAM VETERINARY CLINIC SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
What you don’t know really can hurt your rabbit…
As prey animals, rabbits can hide some of the signs that they’re sick. When present, clinical signs can be subtle, and you may not know something is wrong. Additionally, some signs can seem totally disconnected from the real cause of disease. For example, rabbits can develop lead poisoning from chewing on surfaces containing lead paint, and you might be surprised to learn that the most common clinical signs in rabbits are gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, decreased food and water consumption, and a slowdown in stool production, all manifestations of ileus (also known as GI stasis). By gathering a history, examining your rabbit, and performing indicated tests, the veterinarian’s goal is to diagnose and treat what ails your bunny.
Scheduling your rabbit for an annual health exam gives you the opportunity to discuss concerns with the veterinarian while she examines your rabbit for any abnormalities. This becomes even more important as your rabbit gets older, because as with people, the incidence of certain diseases increases with age. An example is heart disease in rabbits, which wasn’t seen as frequently when rabbits had shorter lifespans. Clinical signs of heart disease can be indistinct; your bunny may just seem a bit quieter and less active at home. However, a veterinarian experienced in working with rabbits can often detect even subtle abnormalities.
For some time, clients have seen the value in annual exams for their dogs and cats, and the same has been happening with rabbit owners. Of course, if you have concerns about your rabbit between the annual wellness visits, it’s best to call your vet and schedule an appointment.